The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) will lead the Philippine participation at the 51st edition of FOODEX Japan, held from March 10–13 at the Tokyo Big Sight.
As the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), CITEM continues its mission to bridge the best of Philippine food with the global market.
Under the FOODPhilippines banner, a curated delegation of 18 exhibitors is reinforcing the country’s position as a reliable hub for high-value processed food and ingredients, successfully aligning tropical heritage with the rigorous quality standards of the modern wellness economy.
According to CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, “Our presence at FOODEX Japan 2026 is a strategic effort to showcase the adaptability of our MSMEs and the premium quality of our tropical offerings to the Japanese and international markets.”
Of the country’s active participation, “We are dedicated to ensuring that Philippine exporters are not only present, but competitive,” she added. Japan remains one of the priority markets of the Philippines alongside China and the United States.
This year’s product showcase, featuring world-renowned processed bananas, cacao, and pineapples, demonstrates the ability of Philippine MSMEs to meet sophisticated global demands through premium convenience, functional innovation, and conscious sourcing.
Supported in part by the Provincial Government of Isabela and the DTI, the 2026 delegation includes Agricom Best Foods Corporation, Caviteño Isabelino Multipurpose Cooperative, JBM Food Products, Jones Producers Cooperative, KKK Food Corporation, Ngosiok Marketing, Oh So Healthy! Corporation, Profood International Corporation, Quelly’s Food Products, RLGV Fruit Wine Industry, SA Cacao Food Product, Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing, Sagrex Foods Inc., Sangkutsa Food Products Inc., See’s International Food Mfg. Corp., Sonya’s Secret Garden, Yan Yan International Philippines Inc., and 3 Sher’s Food Products.
Recent years have seen Isabela’s major transformation into an agricultural powerhouse, strategically shifting its role from primary producer to a dominant industrial hub for innovative and high-value processed food sourcing.
The Philippine participation also coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan. Under the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” CITEM’s showcase reinforces seven decades of economic synergy and a shared commitment to regional trade excellence.
